This Nashville Hotel Is a Musician’s Dream

By Rachael Roth

Chances are you’re visiting Nashville for some of its touchstone experiences: live music at any hour, the best hot chicken this side of the Mississippi, and a superb cocktail scene. At the Hutton, all three are within your reach. The property specifically caters to musicians, with two on-site recording studios (aka the Writers Studios), accommodating established and burgeoning artists alike. Here are the top highlights that prove the Hutton goes the extra mile for its musical clientele.

Analog, PHOTO: Nils Schlebusch

There’s a Top-Notch Music Venue On The Second Floor

The hotel’s in-house music venue with an unparalleled sound system, Analog, is an ornate lounge with a killer lineup and cocktail program to match. Despite what you might expect, the focus is not just on country; Analog has hosted many singer/songwriters and even funk and indie acts. Newcomers The New Respects have played here, along with outfits like Allen Stone (you’ll see concert posters made exclusively for the performances hanging in the halls outside the venue). Enter streetside through the dramatically lit alley—the iron gate has an A for Analog—or take the elevator to the second floor from within the hotel. Watch bands from one of two mezzanines, have an intimate conversation in one of several nooks, or sit on a sofa close to the stage; dancing is encouraged. Currently they have no ticketing and seating is first come, first served. Whether you come for the drinks, the ambiance, or the music, it’s a must-visit during your stay, and an incredible bonus for hotel guests looking for an easy commute post-concert.

Ryan Tedder’s Writers Room; Photo by Katie Kauss

You Can Write And Record Your Smash-Hit In One Of The Writers Studios

Managed by a Grammy-winning audio engineer, the Writers Studios at the Hutton provide spaces for high-profile artists (recordings for Zedd’s “The Middle” were finalized here), and give emerging artists a platform. The concept for the studios was dreamed up by Greenlight Media & Marketing with Studio 11 Design (Studio 11 also designed Hutton’s lobby, the guestrooms and suites, and Analog) who teamed up with country moguls Dierks Bentley and Ryan Tedder of One Republic. Bentley’s Writers Studio was inspired by his stomping grounds of Arizona; Tedder’s studio calls to mind a New York City loft. Ed Helms of The Office and ⅓ of the bluegrass band, The Lonesome Trio records a podcast here.

In partnership with Creative’s Day, the hotel hosts a residency program held here has donated eight hours a month to four new artists, allowing for them to create original work and stay at the hotel at no cost. The program recognizes that while Nashville is “Music City,” artists are being pushed out by rising costs. The nonprofit also helps artists find housing.

WestEnd Kitchen & Bar; Photo by Nils Schlebusch

The Lobby Is Perfect For Business Meetings

As you set foot in the inviting, open-concept lobby in this remodeled ‘50s telecommunication building, you get an immediate sense of the genuine Southern hospitality that presides. To the right is the WestEnd Kitchen and a wraparound bar, patronized by visiting musicians and guests alike. Expect southern favorites like hush puppies, deviled eggs, and baby back ribs, with plenty of lighter veggie-forward options. In the center are comfy sofas and leather lounge chairs.

Hutton Suite; Courtesy of the Hutton Hotel

The Hutton Suite Is Made For Musicians

Designed with musicians in mind, this is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for those who can afford it. It’s two levels, with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, living spaces to relax in, and a writing room for your creative pursuits. Guests of the suite also get a personal assistant and access to the hotel’s Tesla housecar.

What’s Nearby:

Though what is truly the best hot chicken in Nashville is still up for debate, you will no doubt see lines out the door at Hattie B’s, literal steps from the Hutton.

Insider Tip: Another Hattie B’s location on Charlotte Ave. (a 10-minute drive from the hotel) will provide you with the same great food, without the line. Or, you can order ahead at either location to avoid the queue!

For more creative cocktails beyond the hotel, hard-to-find speakeasy The Patterson House is just a 7-minute walk away. And if you just can’t make it through the weekend without a dose of honky tonk, you’re just a 12-minute walk from Lower Broad.